Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
The arrival of Mathias Jaissle has breathed new life into this Newcastle United group, with those previously on the periphery under Eddie Howe having found their groove again.
Former Arsenal man Joe Willock certainly fits into the category, the typically injury-prone midfielder having found a new lease of life since the change in the dugout.
Already up to three goals so far this season in all competitions, the 27-year-old is looking back to the player who previously ripped it up on loan at St James' Park way back in 2021.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
The question remains, however: is he here to stay?
Why Newcastle could lose Willock in 2027
There's no denying that Willock does split opinion on Tyneside, and rightly so considering he's struggled for any kind of consistency in recent years.
REUTERS/Ian Walton
Having scored eight goals in just 14 Premier League appearances for the club across his initial loan spell, he's only scored eight more times in the top-flight since then.
He hadn't scored in the league at all across 2024/25 or 2025/26, although a switch appears to have been flicked under Jaissle, with Willock already scoring against Liverpool and Hull City.
His strike against the Merseysiders on the opening weekend was particularly eye-catching, while he produced a strong all-round display last time out against the Tigers, recording a 92% pass accuracy rate and winning six of his ten attempted dribbles.
There does appear to be a role for him in this new Jaissle regime, hence why there might be concern at the prospect of losing him in January, with Willock out of contract next summer.
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What do Newcastle's midfielders earn?
Player
Joelinton
Nico Gonzalez
Jacob Ramsey
Joe Willock
Lewis Miley
Sean Steur
Aladji Bamba
Reports coming out of Turkey suggest that Besiktas are confident that they can strike a deal in the new year, with the Magpies left with a decision to make over whether to offer an extension or not.
In any case, considering his upturn in form, Willock is arguably not the player that Newcastle should be seeking to shift in January.
Why £35m Newcastle man could be on borrowed time
There's been a zip and energy to Newcastle's performances right from the off under Jaissle, the likes of Willock, Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga looking like different players to the ones who toiled last season.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
If there is any cause for concern, after collecting two wins from five league games, it is the defensive unit, however, with the Tynesiders already shipping nine goals thus far.
Perhaps the imminent return of Dan Burn from injury can ease those defensive woes, with there a decision to be made over whether to start the club captain ahead of struggling centre-back, Sven Botman.
It has perhaps gone under the radar a little quite how poor the Dutchman has been over an extended period, failing to get back to the level he showcased during his first season at St James'.
Signed from Wolfsburg on a £35m deal in 2022, Botman has now racked up 121 appearances for the club in all competitions, albeit with injury having halted his impressive early momentum.
REUTERS/Ian Walton
The 26-year-old made just 25 league appearances across 2023/24 and 2024/25 combined, having still only started 21 top-flight games last season under Howe.
Amid a grim campaign for the club as a whole, the left-footer was far from his best, notably making four errors leading to a shot, while keeping only four clean sheets in all.
As for 2026/27, he hasn't exactly started on the best note either, firmly usurped by stand-in skipper, Malick Thiaw, as Newcastle's leading figure at the back.
Across just five starts, Botman has already made four errors leading to a shot this time around, notably run ragged in the defeat away at Elland Road.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
At one stage, following his arrival from Germany, the 6 foot 4 defender looked like being the Premier League's next standout centre-back, having struck up such a fruitful combination with Fabian Schär.
Now, a few years on, he's been overtaken by the likes of Thiaw, with it set to be no surprise if Burn does take his place in the near future.
REUTERS/Lee Smith
Jaissle, as expected, has leapt to Botman's defence this week, hailing Newcastle's number four as a "lion" at the back. And yet, if this run of form continues, his performances will soon become a real talking point you'd expect.
Indeed, while Willock and co appear to be relishing this new Jaissle regime, Botman has taken a step backwards. Might it finally be time to call it quits?